THE biggest security operation ever mounted in Dorset is being planned for the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth next month.

Continuing terrorist atrocities around the world have reinforced the need for top-level security, not only for Tony Blair and members of his government, but also for residents and visitors to the town.

Police have reassured the public they will be safe throughout the conference, starting on September 28.

The country is already on a heightened state of alert following the war in Iraq.

But international events are certain to be worrying those charged with policing the Bournemouth event.

The security arrangements are likely to eclipse those seen in the 1980s when Margaret Thatcher was in power and the IRA was seen as the biggest threat.

Previously numerous car parks have been shut, hundreds of officers drafted in and a tight cordon thrown around the BIC and up to the Highcliff Marriott Hotel on the West Cliff.

On Tuesday a devastating suicide bomb attack on the United Nations headquarters in Iraq killed at least over 20 people and injured scores more and the party conference is certain to be viewed as a high risk terrorist target.

Meanwhile a major gathering of anti-war protesters is just one of numerous demonstrations expected in the town during the week.

Planning for the conference has been underway for more than a year with Dorset officers in close liaison with security experts both in this country and abroad.

Although political conferences have been held in the town for many years, this is thought to be the biggest.

It is the first time the current government has held its conference in Bourne-mouth since the September 11 attacks and police are taking no chances. They have not revealed details of their operation but Superintendent Geoff Watts, who heads the security team, said everything is going according to plan.

"We have gone into detailed planning this year as we always do and we have taken advice from numerous security services in relation to potential outcomes" he said.

Dorset Stop The War are organising a protest, likely to be held on September 30, the day of Tony Blair's keynote speech.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? To add your voice to the debate about the need for increased security within the Labour Party Conference coming to Bournemouth, call our response line on 01202 411455.